Five NBA Stars Likely to Seek Trades This Offseason: Is Kevin Durant Among Them?
Basketball/Sports

Five NBA Stars Likely to Seek Trades This Offseason: Is Kevin Durant Among Them?

As the NBA trade deadline passes, rumors swirl around various players potentially asking for trades this summer, with Kevin Durant's situation drawing significant attention.

If someone looked up at the sky last week, they might have seen a meteor shower. Luka Dončić and Anthony Davis were among the shooting stars visible. Perhaps someone even saw Jimmy Butler in motion.

The NBA trade deadline generated a historic amount of star movement. However, this is the NBA; more star players are likely to be on the move, and with it comes drama for some contenders.

With that said, here are five stars who might request trades this upcoming offseason.

5. Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

One could argue that it’s beneficial for both Williamson and the Pelicans to part ways. When healthy, the former No. 1 draft pick has been spectacular. He’s formidable offensively, capable of fast breaks and soaring above the rim.

Unfortunately, Williamson’s injury history has been concerning, having played only 16 games this season and 200 over six seasons. With New Orleans trading Brandon Ingram before the deadline and sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, further trades may be anticipated, including Williamson and C.J. McCollum. Williamson, a two-time All-Star, is in need of a change in environment.

Potential trade destinations: Hornets, Trail Blazers, Pistons.

4. Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Young continues to be a prolific scorer in the NBA, consistently considered an All-Star. However, Atlanta hasn’t won a playoff series since reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021.

Although his scoring is slightly down this season, Young still leads Atlanta with 23.5 points and an NBA-high 11.4 assists per game. Unfortunately, the Hawks are currently 25-28, and with budding forward Jalen Johnson recently undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery, the franchise has traded away De’Andre Hunter and Bogdan Bogdanović.

Entering the prime of his career at age 26, Young’s dedication to the Hawks is notable. However, after the Hawks signaled a rebuild, he might be searching for new opportunities this summer.

Potential trade destinations: Magic, Nets, Rockets.

3. Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Bucks

At 35, Lillard still seeks his first NBA Finals appearance. If the Bucks do not progress past the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs for a third straight year, it seems likely he may consider requesting a trade.

Having been traded to the Bucks with the goal of winning, Lillard’s time is running out. A prolific scorer, he averages 25.5 points and 7.5 assists while shooting 38.3% from three-point range. Despite his excellence, if the Bucks continue to falter, Lillard’s stay may be short-lived.

Potential trade destinations: Magic, Rockets, Jazz.

2. Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns

Every couple of years, discussions arise about Durant’s potential new team. Following the recent trade deadline, where the Suns actively explored trade options for Durant, it seems unless they reach the NBA Finals, his future in Phoenix is uncertain.

Currently, the Suns have their third head coach since Durant arrived and hold a record of 26-26. With evident struggles and the failure to secure a substantial trade, there are concerns about the stability of the team Durant is part of.

Potential trade destinations: Spurs, Rockets, Grizzlies.

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

The NBA community has awaited a potential trade request from Antetokounmpo. If the Bucks drastically underperform again, he may decide to make his move.

Despite being part of a title-winning team in 2021, Milwaukee has struggled since, with only one playoff win to show since the championship. With other Eastern Conference teams, such as the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers performing at a high level, trade speculation around Antetokounmpo may grow.

Potential trade destinations: Rockets, Grizzlies, Nets.

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